R.B. Ganesh has been some of the extensively travelled and revered worldwide cue sports activities referees from India.

With the massive occasions within the nation drying up, Ganesh, a passionate advocate of cue sports activities, determined to do one thing on his personal for a sport he adores.

Ganesh’s preliminary endeavour was to advertise grassroot degree expertise, at an novice degree, in order that new expertise may be recognized. However, lack a of assist from sponsors put paid to the thought.

Relentless search

Not deterred by the setback, Ganesh continued his relentless search, which led him to fulfill Jason Ferguson, chairman of World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) in London. He had requested a provisional affirmation to host a World skilled snooker rating occasion in Hyderabad — a blue riband occasion— in August, which might prompt extra novice occasions within the longer run.

“Jason has been a good friend of mine for many years. When I proposed the idea of a company called Cue Sports Company (CSC) with my friend Kumar G. Rao, a lawyer, he was more than happy to give his oral approval. Still, lots of work needs to be done. We have to sign an agreement. I am sure everything will happen in due course with the blessings of the Billiards & Snooker Federation of India,” Ganesh advised The Hindu.

Ganesh additionally met the Telangana Sports Minister V. Srinivas Goud, who listened to CSC’s pitch and was very encouraging of the thought. CSC additionally met the National cue sports activities governing physique to hunt its assist. The worldwide referee has requested the World physique to permit eight Indians as wild card entries.

“Subject to finalisation of other factors, we expect top players like Ronnie O’Sullivan — winner of seven titles and regarded the Greatest of All Time — Luca Brecel, the current world champion, Mark Selby, Judd Trump, John Higgins, Mark Williams among others, to compete,” mentioned Ganesh.

Revival

Ganesh is hopeful that the occasion will spark a revival of cue sports activities in India.

Kumar G. Rao added this can revolutionise the participation of extra children in India, and will do what James Wattana did to the Thai youthful technology and what Ding Jinghui did to China.